The Raiders took a 13-9 halftime lead but couldn't hold off the Broncos (7-5) after halftime and lost 29-19 at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday.
It was the Broncos' first road win against the Raiders since 2015. Las Vegas, on the other hand, lost for the seventh time in a row this season, falling 9-2.
An interception by quarterback Gardner Minshew early in the third quarter started the Raiders' downward trend. After the Raiders got back into the game and trailed 26-19, a fumble by QB Desmond Ridder – replacing an injured Minshew – brought the Broncos into Raiders territory and sealed the Raiders' defeat.
Here are the winners and losers after another disappointing week in Las Vegas.
Winner: RB Dylan Laube
The Raiders trailed 3-0 early but got an adrenaline rush thanks to rookie running back Dylan Laube. His 59-yard kickoff return gave Las Vegas excellent field position, and the drive ultimately resulted in a touchdown.
DYLAN LAUBE MAKES THE DISTANCE!!! | 📺
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders)
Laube was active due to injuries to running backs Zamir White and Alexander Mattison. He took advantage and made everyone forget his first carry in the NFL a few weeks ago that resulted in a fumble.
Winner: RB Ameer Abdullah
Running back Ameer Abdullah caught a touchdown pass for the second straight game. He was covered by a linebacker when Minshew thoughtfully threw him right into Abdullah's arms for six points.
Ate 8️⃣ | 📺
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders)
Abdullah's touchdown finished what Laube had started with his return and gave the Raiders a 7-3 lead.
Another reserve running back, first-year pro Sincere McCormick, is an honorable mention for the winners list. He got his first NFL call-up and actually led the Raiders in rushing with five carries for 33 yards. New offensive coordinator Scott Turner missed an opportunity to give McCormick more possession; He looked fantastic between the tackles and should get more carries next week.
Winners: P AJ Cole and LB Divine Deablo
The Raiders extended their lead to 10-6 in the second quarter, but not before a bold special teams effort paid off. Punter AJ Cole threw to linebacker Divine Deablo, who was wide open for a 34-yard gain.
4. and Cole!!! | 📺
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders)
Kicker Daniel Carlson converted a field goal to end the drive. He hit all four of his field goal attempts, including a 53-yarder.
Winner: DE Tyree Wilson
Defensive end Tyree Wilson made an impact in this game, recording a QB sack, two tackles for loss and a QB hit. It was Wilson's third sack this season, all in the last four contests, including one last week.
This Raiders season has been terrible, but if Wilson can start living up to his first-round draft status, it would be a huge win for Las Vegas.
Winner: WR Jakobi Meyers
wide receiver Jakobi Meyers continues to perform as the No. 1 wideout for the Raiders. He caught 10 of 15 targets for 121 yards, highlighted by tough catches in the fourth quarter and a forced pass interference penalty.
Loser: QB Gardner Minshew
In a look back at the Raiders' first loss to the Broncos this season, Minshew turned the ball over just when it seemed like Las Vegas was starting to take control.
It wasn't as drastic the last time, when the Raiders seemed poised to take a 17-3 lead before Minshew threw an interception in the red zone, but it was close. After the Raiders defense stopped the Broncos' first possession of the third quarter, Minshew had a 13-9 lead with the football and sailed one over Meyers' head.
We'll take that.
📺: CBS |
– Denver Broncos (@Broncos)
Minshew adds injury to insult later in the game and is out for the season.
Loser: CB Decamerion Richardson
The Raiders didn't have a starting cornerback in this game, so rookie Decamerion Richardson had to pick up the slack. He struggled early and often as the Broncos appeared to target the Raiders' depth in the secondary.
The Raiders were only down 19-16 when Richardson was hit for a touchdown by Broncos wide receiver Cortland Sutton.
ALL DAY, ‼️
📺: CBS
– Denver Broncos (@Broncos)
Consider it a learning experience for Richardson as he also had a few good moments.
Loser: CB Jack Jones
Veteran Jack Jones also had some good moments, including a tackle for loss, a pass defensed and seven total tackles. But he also fell victim to Sutton early in the game when the Broncos took the lead for good in the third quarter after a Minshew interception.
The particularly.
📺: CBS
– Denver Broncos (@Broncos)
Jones clearly missed his normal running ability in the secondary with cornerbacks Nate Hobbs and Jakorian Bennett both inactive due to injuries.
Loser: TE Brock Bowers
A week after his best performance of the season, rookie tight end Brock Bowers was brought back down to earth by the Broncos' defense. Bowers caught just four of his 10 targets for 38 yards.
The Raiders fought until the end, but with injuries piling up, roster deficiencies will make life difficult for Coach Pierce until the merciful end of the season. They'll look to push the Chiefs to the limit next week as the Raiders travel to Kansas City to face their longtime rival in a nationally televised game the day after Thanksgiving.
